South Sudan's president fires finance minister, seventh since 2020

In a dramatic move that underscores the political volatility and economic turbulence gripping South Sudan, President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced the dismissal of his current Finance Minister, marking the seventh change in the office since 2020. The decision, which took place at a brief cabinet meeting held in Juba, follows a period of mounting criticism over the country’s spiraling debt, deteriorating public finances and persistent allegations of corruption within the ministry.

A Troubled Treasury

South Sudan’s economy, heavily dependent on oil revenue, has struggled to weather the dual shocks of falling oil prices and a global pandemic. The country’s public debt now sits at an alarming level, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning that the debt-to-GDP ratio could exceed 60 % if reforms are not implemented swiftly. The new finance minister will have to confront a daunting agenda: renegotiating loan terms with creditors, tightening fiscal discipline, and restoring investor confidence in a country that has been besieged by conflict and governance deficits.

The finance ministry has been under scrutiny since the 2018 peace agreement, which promised greater economic stability and a path to fiscal recovery. Yet the office has been beset by accusations of embezzlement and irregular procurement practices. In February 2024, the ministry was raided by anti-corruption officials on charges of siphoning off government funds—a scandal that has only intensified calls for a ministerial reshuffle.

The Latest in a Line of Departures

Martin Juma, the incumbent minister, was appointed in October 2021 following the dismissal of his predecessor, Charles Adok. Juma’s tenure was short-lived; he faced criticism for failing to secure a sustainable debt‑reduction plan and for a perceived lack of transparency in the management of the national budget. His departure comes at a time when the government is under pressure from both domestic actors—particularly opposition groups and civil society organisations demanding fiscal reforms—and international partners who fear that continued mismanagement could jeopardise debt‑relief programmes.

Prior ministers have left office under similar circumstances: John Opondo was sacked in late 2020 over allegations of misappropriating funds meant for infrastructure projects, while others resigned or were dismissed amid scandals involving inflated contracts for oilfield equipment. This pattern of rapid turnover has raised concerns about the stability of South Sudan’s public institutions and the continuity of policy implementation.

President Kiir’s Rationale

During a brief statement following the dismissal, President Kiir cited the need for “greater accountability and decisive action” in the management of the country’s finances. He said the government would conduct a comprehensive review of the ministry’s operations before appointing a successor. “We cannot allow the mismanagement of our treasury to continue unchecked,” he remarked, while hinting that the president was open to appointing a technocrat rather than a career politician.

Kiir’s decision was also framed as a response to pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which have called for more rigorous fiscal governance in order to unlock continued funding streams.

Political Implications

The firing of the finance minister is being seen as part of a broader power‑realignment within President Kiir’s administration. Critics suggest that the move may be an attempt to sideline factions within the ruling party that are perceived as resistant to economic reforms. Analysts note that a new minister could either reinforce the president’s reform agenda or serve as a placeholder while the administration negotiates a broader coalition of support among the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

The appointment will also have implications for South Sudan’s relationship with its creditors. The IMF has emphasized that any new minister must present a credible fiscal strategy and demonstrate a commitment to debt sustainability. Failing to do so could jeopardise the country’s eligibility for future IMF support and other multilateral assistance.

The Path Ahead

With the finance ministry’s leadership now vacant, the government has pledged to expedite the selection of a new minister. The ministry’s official website—linked in the original article—has announced a recruitment process that will include a vetting panel comprising senior civil servants, representatives from the World Bank, and independent auditors.

The upcoming appointment will be closely monitored by domestic stakeholders and international donors alike. The new finance minister will need to navigate a complex landscape of economic reform, political expectation, and social responsibility. Their ability to secure sustainable funding for public services, reduce the fiscal deficit, and restore confidence in South Sudan’s public institutions will be a litmus test for President Kiir’s commitment to long‑term stability.

In the short term, the government is expected to announce a temporary interim minister while the search proceeds. Whether this interim arrangement will provide a stable platform for fiscal reforms remains to be seen, but the decision to replace the finance minister for the seventh time since 2020 signals a continued urgency to address the country’s pressing economic challenges.

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